The Junior Fair Horse Show was held on July 11 in the Back Arena at the fairgrounds. (Photo by Michelle Roades)
Truck and tractor pulls are always a popular draw at the county fair. (Photo by Mark Carpenter)
On the final night of the fair, the Livestock Scramble put a lot of young people on the chase. (Photo by Mark Carpenter)
Samson Strong performs in the Talent Show, held on Friday, July 11 in the center ring. (Photo by Mark Carpenter)
The North Adams High School varsity cheer squad celebrates their victory in the Adams County Fair Cheer Competition. (Photo by Tim Daulton)
By Ryan Applegate
People’s Defender
The 134th Adams County Fair officially opened its gates on Sunday, July 6, inviting the community back to a week of summer tradition, competition, and celebration. The fairgrounds started quietly as early visitors arrived to explore the midway, sample fair food, and visit livestock barns where exhibitors prepared their animals for the shows ahead. By early afternoon, attendance was building steadily. Opening ceremonies were held at 1 p.m. near the center ring, where the 2025 Fair Queen was crowned and several community awards were presented.
The Friend of 4-H Award was given to Brian Miley for his years of dedicated service maintaining the fairgrounds and supporting events. Judy Hawkins received the 4-H Alumni Award in recognition of more than five decades as an advisor with the Unity Farmers 4-H Club. The Hess Auction Company was honored as the 4-H VIP for its three generations of involvement in the fair’s livestock sales. Rick and Patty Crawford were recognized as Outstanding Fair Supporters for their longtime work with the pork producers and the food booth that has become a staple of fair week.
Following the awards, the Queen pageant featured four contestants representing local 4-H clubs and FFA chapters. Antoinette Grimes, a graduate of Eastern High School and a member of the Adams County Beef and More 4-H Club, was crowned the 2025 Fair Queen. As the afternoon continued, crowds grew larger, and the fairgrounds filled with families arriving for the evening’s events. The cheerleading competition drew a packed audience, and by the time the demolition derby began at 7 p.m., the bleachers were full of spectators eager to see the first night of action in the Dirt Track Complex.
Music was an important part of this year’s fair, bringing national acts and local performers together on the Center Ring stage. Sunday night opened with free karaoke, offering fairgoers a chance to step into the spotlight themselves. Monday featured Kapsoura and their blend of bluegrass grit and alternative energy, followed by singer-songwriter Tyler Neeley, who shared a set of country, southern rock, and bluegrass originals. Tuesday’s entertainment included a performance by Cole Bradford, a soulful country artist from Georgia.
On Wednesday evening, Joey Vasselet played an acoustic set ahead of the Fancy Free Cloggers, whose lively showcase of Appalachian dance drew an appreciative crowd. Later that night, the Bon Jovi tribute band Wanted took the stage to deliver classic hits that kept the audience on their feet. Thursday’s schedule included the Jason Cooper Memorial Gospel Night, with The Hinson Family performing an evening of uplifting gospel music. Friday night brought Dusty and The Backwoods Drive, whose blend of country grit and Southern rock has become a fair tradition. Saturday’s entertainment closed the week on a high note with The Chris Allen Crothers Band warming up the crowd, followed by Holly Forbes of The Voice fame, whose soulful performance capped off the fair in front of an enthusiastic audience.
The fair’s motorsport events remained as popular as ever, with demolition derbies on the first night and the last, rodeo action on Monday, Moto Cross on Tuesday, Auto Cross on Wednesday, the Sullivan Truck Pulls on Thursday, and the Battle of the Bluegrass tractor pull Friday night. Saturday’s finale included the Livestock Scramble, and Barn Yard Olympics. From the micro mini tractor pulls to the thunder of the full-sized rigs, each event drew large crowds eager to cheer on competitors.
From the sound of revving engines and live music to the celebration of community achievements, the 134th Adams County Fair delivered a full showcase of rural life, entertainment, and the enduring spirit of summer tradition.
